Sorry I didn't get this daily update posted earlier but I'm having one of those physically challenged days. At the capitol building on Monday I went to stand up and blacked out midway through the process and collapsed in the rotunda. Woke up (so they tell me ) about 30 seconds later to a interesting though confusing view of the Capitol's ornate stone floor. Police were immediately on the spot and they summoned an ambulance to have me checked out by paramedics to determine my status.
It was quickly determined that I was basically okay all things considered and I then signed some paper work waiving medical attention. A trip to the hospital was not necessary I felt plus, I don't have medical insurance to cover such a expense.
Totally embarrassing event for me though! Besides lying flat on my back as friends, officers and fellow protesters fretted over me as tourists watched, I had let myself down. I had figured I'd last at least 30 days before something like this happened. Now I feel like a wimp.
In an earlier interview I stated that in a week or two I would have to start taking a electrolyte and potassium fortified supplement to maintain my health as much as possible. After conferring with paramedics I decided to advance ingestion of the supplement to today. The product is 'zero calorie's' so it's allowed by the terms of my hunger strike. And it comes in a variety of artificially fruity flavors. Did I say fruit flavors ? I meant it tasted like chemical soup, my mistake.
Officers starting arresting some folks today for using their constitutionally granted rights of free speech. This of course was a series of illegal arrests and citations issued but I do not blame the officers at all. They are sworn to follow orders even if those orders are contrary to the laws of the state. Besides what do you expect to happen with the government controlled by a group of hyped up right wing extremists with a messiah complex?
A big solidarity hello to those reading this blog in the Czech Republic, Indonesia, the Bangladesh Garment Workers and everywhere people exist who love their freedom and rights. Solidarity brothers and sisters !!!
I'll be back at the Capitol tomorrow to keep up the fight. Hopefully our duly appointed courts will prevent Gov. Walker from his unethical and immoral pursuit of enforcing his ludicrous budget reform bill.
I still really, really need some legal counsel, would love it if you could help me out. Also anyone interested in helping organize a fundraiser or if you have a band or performance group I would love to hear from you as well. Take care everyone and keep up the good fight.
On Wisconsin! FORWARD !!!!
It was quickly determined that I was basically okay all things considered and I then signed some paper work waiving medical attention. A trip to the hospital was not necessary I felt plus, I don't have medical insurance to cover such a expense.
Totally embarrassing event for me though! Besides lying flat on my back as friends, officers and fellow protesters fretted over me as tourists watched, I had let myself down. I had figured I'd last at least 30 days before something like this happened. Now I feel like a wimp.
In an earlier interview I stated that in a week or two I would have to start taking a electrolyte and potassium fortified supplement to maintain my health as much as possible. After conferring with paramedics I decided to advance ingestion of the supplement to today. The product is 'zero calorie's' so it's allowed by the terms of my hunger strike. And it comes in a variety of artificially fruity flavors. Did I say fruit flavors ? I meant it tasted like chemical soup, my mistake.
Officers starting arresting some folks today for using their constitutionally granted rights of free speech. This of course was a series of illegal arrests and citations issued but I do not blame the officers at all. They are sworn to follow orders even if those orders are contrary to the laws of the state. Besides what do you expect to happen with the government controlled by a group of hyped up right wing extremists with a messiah complex?
A big solidarity hello to those reading this blog in the Czech Republic, Indonesia, the Bangladesh Garment Workers and everywhere people exist who love their freedom and rights. Solidarity brothers and sisters !!!
I'll be back at the Capitol tomorrow to keep up the fight. Hopefully our duly appointed courts will prevent Gov. Walker from his unethical and immoral pursuit of enforcing his ludicrous budget reform bill.
I still really, really need some legal counsel, would love it if you could help me out. Also anyone interested in helping organize a fundraiser or if you have a band or performance group I would love to hear from you as well. Take care everyone and keep up the good fight.
On Wisconsin! FORWARD !!!!
36 comments:
I just heard about you, about your courageous acts, about your blog, on the Mike Malloy show. I'm overwhelmed with admiration at your stand against the politicians' efforts to make unions illegal and make workers into slaves. I will do my best to spread the word. Thank you for your efforts to save the working people of this country. I just wish our "leaders" were on our side, instead of leading the assaults against us.
Take care. Ingesting electrolyte solutions is a good idea. Your life matters. Your statement matters, too.
Keep up the good fight. You just got a twitter bump from Ebert, and I hope that brings a spotlight on you.
Mike Malloy spoke about you tonight.
I am here in Fl with Govenor Scott.
His goal are alot like Govenor Walker. You are very courageous and are setting a righteous example for folks like myself.
Be cool.
Please, please use proper grammar. If followed by a vowel, 'a' turns into 'an.'
Otherwise, keep up the great work.
Keep your chin up my friend, Gandhiji would've been proud of your actions.
There are Soul-Less people out there, who cant understand a man's Inspiring actions to support his Convictions & his Non-Violent Fight for the Basic Rights of Workers.
Peaceful protest for changing a policy is True Freedom & Democracy in action. USA needs to first implement it by listening to its people, before trying to export it
I pray for your well-being & wish you Success in your efforts
Koundinya,
India
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/index.htm
A friend sent me a link to your blog, along with the request for legal help. I have a law degree, but am not currently licensed here--so here is a link to the forms for a living will (and/or POA forms).
I am not 100% sure I agree with your actions (Walker is a tool, but not necessarily worth risking your health/life for), but I respect your decision. Please take care of yourself.
I have just put you out there on Facebook after hearing about you on Mike Malloy. You shame us all with your stand. Stay safe as you are able.
God bless you for your courage. I am so proud of you. Thank you.
It's painful for me to think about how much you must be suffering, but at the same time, I am filled with awe and admiration for the courage and determination which you obviously have to a degree which so few possess. I will follow your blog and be with you in spirit all the way. We can all do our part by fighting the good fight to keep the middle class from dwindling away to nothing and letting the robber barons take over and stomp away at our freedom, civil rights and liberties which is what once made our country so great.
Try to stay comfortable and safe...and hang in there...you are not alone is this fight.
I just heard about you on the Mike Malloy show. I applaud your effort to bring light to this mess but I'm hoping you change your mind as we can use your determination to keep up the fight. I hope you don't die in vain. We all need to fight the Republicans!
Dear Matthew,
Your courage inspires millions. You are doing things many of us are afraid to do. I support your brave and principled stand. I tweeted your blog and your hunger strike this evening and got many positive responses and re-tweets of my message in support of your cause.
http://twitter.com/popcornreel/status/52911537861558272
Every time you feel like giving in, please know that there are hundreds and hundreds and thousands of people who are with you.
I will keep spreading the word. The mainstream media must cover this event.
With admiration, support and prayers,
Omar Moore
It only takes one person to turn the tide on the madness that is happening in America today. I am saddened that you are that one person but I applaud your decision to take a stand. As a Union member in Oregon and a shop steward, I appreciate your sacrifices. My thoughts are with you. Be safe.
Heard about you on the Mike Malloy show tonight and admire your courage. I live in Northern California and will be passing on your story to others across the country. Take care of yourself and remember there are a lot of people talking about and thinking about you.
Wow, my hat's off to you, Sir. You are a brave man and I commend you!
Julian Assange says, "Courage is courageous." May your courage bloom a thousand more courageous Patriots.
Jonathan Steigman
That's taking things to the extreme and a bit too far.
I don't think Wanker is going to give in. Not when the only one to blame for suffering and death is the one who went on hunger strike.
Yes it brings attention to the issue but that's about it. And it's an issue that already has enough attention.
To be a martyr like this, what's the point?
Get a job instead of wasting everyone's time doing this. Then, hopefully, you will get health insurance and stop being a burden on the rest of the working class.
Wow. I'm impressed. Some might not feel that what you're doing is the "right" thing, but everyone in opposition to Walker's plans has their own way of dealing with it and their own way of fighting the fight. If this is what you feel is the best way for you to contribute, then I applaud your steadfast determination. No one but yourself can judge whether it's the right thing to do or not. I wish the best for you and will think about you often.
Re Anon: Have you ever tried to formulate proper grammar while on a fast? It is not easy. I am amazed that his grammar is as good as it is considering that he has no protein intake for proper brain function.
I too heard about your beyond- courageous act two nights ago on The Mike Malloy Show. So your action and your message, Matthew--are clearly spreading on the web by the day, by the hour, and it may go viral, who knows. You might even somehow get picked up by the Hollywood media. Your message is well on its way without the latter, of course. The whole country supports you. Hang on.
I understand about your desire to take a stand. I worry that most of the rest of our fellow citizens are asleep or simply too dumbed-down to even see what is happening in our country.
Dunno…I try to maintain hope that the righteous will prevail.
Good luck, to you, to all of us…
You have my deepest respect for your commitment and courage. Such sacrifice seems too rare these days and I wish it wouldn't take such serious actions to push back against our oppressors.
You are an inspiration to all of us who still care about our dying democracy.
I will think of you daily and hope you will come through this to a positive result.
Dear Matt,
I hope you are feeling better now that you're on supplements.
Know that the vast majority of people are behind you, and those unfortunate souls (trolls) who aren't, may they find peace with themselves, somehow. But these are not peaceful people.
I am still holding out hope that you'll reconsider, because Walker won't. We need your life, not your death.
Thank you, for all you are doing to help with our cause. Your courage gives me courage.
With much love.
Sorry for eating my Quiznos next to you a couple of weeks back. Glad to see you made it past the temptation ;)
Keep up the fabulous fight!
Dear Matthew
It is a gracious and content spirit that resides within your commitment. No act of such grace is in vain. Can you feel that? It is the earth is shifting.
with deepest gratitude, snugcovemoon
I also heard about you on the Mike Malloy show and I respect what you are doing. It's important. But I hope you know you are more a pain in Scott Walker's side [or butt] alive and healthy rather than the alternative. If you want to be an activist I hope you make a commitment to be in it for the long haul..... In other words, please take care of yourself as much as possible and we all hope you stick around to be on the bastards' case for a long time to come. We are behind you in philosophy anyway. Activism is tough work. Maybe Scott will realize his wicked ways sooner than we think if the courts slap his hands and actually enforce the law!
PEACE
Thank you for your courage and dedication to this cause. Not many of us would suffer to the extent you have, even for such an important reason, so that makes your solo protest even more amazing.
I just got the link to your blog tonight on Facebook - and read it to catch up on your hunger strike. Ironically, I was asked this afternoon by another protester (inside holding signs at the railing) if I had heard how you were doing, but we hoped you were OK. Please stay strong and know that you have many people supporting you. We do care!
I just heard about you as well, on the Randi Rhodes show. I'm from Wisconsin (no longer living there), but I am thoroughly outraged by what this Governor is doing. When I just read that you don't have health insurance... there are no words. You are amazing and an inspiration. I posted a link to your blog on my FB page. Hopefully, more people will hear of you and someone will wake up and take notice. Thank you. That's all I can say; thank you.
thank you so much for taking on such a feat! you are an inspiration! i pray for your health, safety, and spirit is you continue your hunger strike. union members all over the country appreciate what you're doing...and those of us right here at home (milwaukee teacher here) support you!
youre gonna die
You are in my thoughts every day! Your health and your message are important. Courage of conviction like yours should be rewarded. Stay strong!
In solidarity!
There is a huge difference between courage and stupidity, to refuse to eat is stupid.
Thank you. Best Wishes.
Matthew, your fight is courageous, but face it, Walker and the Republicans really don't give a c--- about you or any of us. We need you out there speaking to the public and telling your story, and it's a fantastic one! Please take in some nourishment and start hosting rallies around the state to fire-up the masses. You are a living history lesson. Think of the kids you could influence to become an active part of the political system for the good of the people. God's Blessings!
Just hear about you today, Matt. You are now included in my daily prayers. Please do follow through with the potassium and electrolytes - your heart and other major organs require them to function. I so admire you for what you are doing. I'm just an old grandma who is disabled (prime target for Scooter's regime), but I do what I can by writing all day to news outlets, blogs, websites that can help the cause. Walker must be stopped and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the sacrifices you are making. I am so very proud of you.
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Martin Luther King
Residents of New York State, my husband and I were visiting our son in Madison and touring the State Capitol when you collapsed. You are not a wimp at all - such courage and fortitude are to be deeply admired. May God bless you and bring success to your cause.
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